08/29/2025
Eight years ago, I (Ashaya; founder) moved from Cascade, Idaho to Boise, Idaho with the intention of finally doing for myself what I had so often done for others - building something sustainable from my own gifts. I realized: I am the children’s expert; this is mine to grow.
I first opened a children’s yoga studio (with ascension/descension offerings for adults), and soon after was invited into what would become SunTree, when their school was still in its earliest seed stage. From there, the circle widened. Over the years I’ve had the joy of teaching weekly at Garabatos, Le Soleil, Kids Campus, Boise Cooperative Preschool, Great Beginnings, the Learning Tree, Urban Green Kids, the Eagle’s Nest, Zen Riot, and Portal Wellness; along with pop-ups at Sage International, Bronco Elite, and more.
Alongside this, I developed and led many teacher trainings, including a quick 5-hour course to help yoga teachers translate their skills to children, as well as full 94-hour and 200-hour trainings. I taught both at my studio and in collaboration with my mentor at the time, Naomi Jones. I was also invited by Garabatos to design a course for classroom educators on how to weave yoga and mindfulness into their daily curriculum.
(And don’t forget swimming! And outdoor education! But those deserve their own posts.)
Through it all, it was Le Soleil and SunTree who offered steady ground while I walked through:
• Reclamation
• Death gates
• Dissolving identities not truly my essence
• The walk of sovereignty
• The wild, beautiful trial-and-error of a 6/3 triple third-line path
From this weaving, Purple Dragon Children’s Collective was born - a business that finally allowed the current of abundance to flow directly to me, my daughter, and my family. Along the way, I’ve been honored to help other teachers, parents, and children find their own rhythm in this work.
To the schools, the families, the little ones, and all who have walked with me: thank you. You have been part of my becoming, and you will always hold a place in my heart.
I will miss you … and I look forward to returning as a visitor, carrying the threads of this love wherever I go.
With deep gratitude and joy,
A’Tia Sha’Elan Tahrae (Ashaya Nova) ♥️✨🦋nya
